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Terrarium plants and care

A terrarium is a transparent container that is planted to simulate a miniature landscape. It is a desirable way to provide greenery in the home or office because if plants that can grow under similar conditions have been selected and if their basic needs are met the terrarium will require very little care. Clear glass is necessary as tinted glass will cut down on the light sufficiently so that plants will not grow well. The container should also have a clear cover. Glass or plastic work equally well.

Choosing plants for the small terrarium.

The following plants are highly recommended for growing in terrariums. Most stay small and thrive in terrarium conditions, or if they grow larger, tolerate severe pruning. They also multiply naturally and propagate easily from cuttings and/or leaves.

Ferns;

• Doryopteris pedata, (for larger containers) is vivaporous (produces young plants on leaves.)

• Nephrolepsis exaltata “Fluffy Duffy”. Grows to 6 inches.

Ferny ground covers;

Selaginella varieties; Brownii, uncinata, uncinata aurea, plumosa and palescens.

Other ground covers and trailing plants;

• Hedera Helix (English Ivy) miniature varieties only

• Ficus varieties, pumila, radicans variegata, pumila Quercifolia (creeping figs.)

• Peperomias- trailing types

• Pilea Depressa

Accent plants;

• Calathea micans and other miniature Calathea varieties;

• Cryptanthus (Earth stars) small varieties

• Ctananthe, small varieties

• Fittonia argyroneura minima (miniature nerve plant).

• Maranta kerchoveana minima (miniature rabbit tracks).

• Pellionia

• Peperomias –small varieties as pyramidalis and rubella

• Pilea microphylla (artillery fern), prune frequently.

Flowering plants;

Achimenes- for summer bloom and growth only- goes dormant in winter. Can be grown from cuttings.

Begonia- miniature varieties such as primsatocarpa.

Episcea Varieties

Toy Silver, Annette and others

Other Gesneriads

citrina. Christii, cuneifolia

Sinningia varieties

• Pusilla

• White sprite, Snowflake, Star Eyes, Bright Eyes,

• concinna

• Mini-hybrids Dollbaby, Tinkerbell and others

Other plants commonly used as seedlings or small plants,

All will require removal when they grow too large

•          Aphelandra (zebra plant)

• Large Episcias (especially Cleopatra)

• Fern sporlings

• Neantha Bella

• Jewel Orchid

• Podocarpus

• Strobilanthes (Persian Shield)

 Caring for your terrarium

For best results the terrarium should be placed so that it has abundant light but never direct sun as the closed container will overheat. Most uncurtained north windowsills will provide sufficient light. Fluorescent light that are on 12 hours a day and are no more than 10 inches above the plants will also provide good light conditions.

Watering is seldom necessary. To determine when it is needed, check in the early morning when it is cool for condensation on the sides of the container. Also check the soil, it looks and/or feels dry, add a few spoonfuls of water and check again in a few days. Heavy condensation indicates too much moisture. Wipe away the excess with a soft cloth or tissue or remove the cover until the excess evaporates.

Leaves, blooms or plants that die should be removed as soon as they are observed. Some plants may also need pruning to check rampant growth. Very large plants should be removed entirely.

Room temperatures of 65 to85 degrees are ideal for most plantings.

Fertilizing should be only 2 to 3 times per year and foliar feeding is recommended. If there is a problem with fungus growth in the terrarium, spray with some fungicide such as Benomyl if you have it available.

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